Monsoon brings rise in cases of conjunctivitis

Monsoon showers have brought with them a rise in conjunctivitis cases in the city. “In May, I saw around 20 patients with the eye infection. But since June I, have already seen 35 patients with conjunctivitis. Some patients I saw this week could also have viral conjunctivitis,” said Dr Jayshree Thakore, eye surgeon, Lotus Eye Hospital.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva- layer that covers the inside of the eyelids.Dust, pollen, and other allergens can trigger allergic conjunctivitis.

Viral conjunctivitis is caused due to a virus infection. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious. “Just two days ago, a family with symptoms of conjunctivitis visited me. In their case, the child contracted it first and later it spread to the parents too. The viral infection was severe, so I had to prescribe topical steroids along with the anti-viral medicines,” said Dr Sheeraz Shaikh, consultant ophthalmic optometrist, Sarvodaya Hospital.

Dr BK Nayak, head of the ophthalmology department at Hinduja Hospital said, “I have noticed a rise in conjunctivitis cases in June. This month, 32 patients have visited me, whereas barely four visited me in May.” “We have noticed that people who wear soft contact lenses for long periods are more prone to allergic papillary conjunctivitis,” said Dr Yasmin Bhagat, head of ophthalmology department, St George Hospital.

Management student, Ruzan Desai, 22, contracted bacterial conjunctivitis due to an existing sinusitis infection in May. “Last week, I had a relapse with allergic conjunctivitis, which was aggravated by constant use of contact lenses,” said Desai.